We discovered a bit more about the history of RB396 during our presence at the Chalke Valley History Festival in 2018. At that event, our Project Director, Sam, spoke on stage about the project with World War 2 pilot, Bernard Gardiner, and Project Ambassador, James Holland. A member of the audience revealed his father, GRG Gimblett, flew RB396 on 12 December 1944. Gimblett was attached to 83 Group Support Unit at the time and flew the aircraft for an air gun test, demonstrating the punch RB396 packed.
We know very little about the flight or the other wartime exploits of GRG Gimblett. We do know that he flew two Typhoons (RB209 and RB331) and a Spitfire (RB910) the day before. RB396 was his first flight on 12 December; later in the day he ferried two Spitfires to Tangmere, a very short hop from Westhampnett where the 83 Group Support Unit had been based since November. If anyone out there can tell us more, we would be delighted to hear from you.
We want to collect as much information as possible about individuals involved in RB396 or the Typhoon in general. Our focus is, of course, on returning RB396 to the skies. We believe having a Hawker Typhoon flying in the UK will lead the public to discover the stories of all those associated with this important aircraft. Let’s keep their important stories alive!